Cetaphil

Cetaphil Oil Absorbing Moisturizer SPF 30

Name: Cetaphil - Oil Absorbing Moisturizer SPF 30
Brand: Cetaphil

SPF 30Efficacy95/100IrritancyLow·3 UV filters

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Works for

2 of 2 advertised claims delivered

Sun protection

SPF 30 · 3 UV filters

Broad spectrum

SPF 30Broad spectrumChemical filtersWater-resistantNo white cast

This product offers a good level of protection against both UVB and UVA rays.

This sunscreen uses organic (so-called "chemical") sunscreen filters. Organic, or "chemical" filters usually provide reliable sun protection and rarely leave a white cast. Sunscreens with organic filters can sting eyes.

This product can be considered "reef safe" because it does not contain the UV filters (oxybenzone and octinoxate) that can be harmful to coral reefs when present in the water in high concentrations.

UV spectrum

UVB290–320 nmUVA II320–340 nmUVA I340–400 nm

Octocrylene

Octisalate

Avobenzone

FilterCoverageWhat it doesEst. amount

OctocryleneUVB Photo-stable A weak sunscreen that protects against the sun rays that cause sunburn (UVB) and is somewhat effective against the UVA rays. It is quite stable and can help stabilize other, more vulnerable, sunscreen ingredients like Avobenzone. It is an organic, or so called "chemical" sunscreen7%

OctisalateEthylhexyl SalicylateUVBOctisalate. A UV filter. It offers some protection against the sun rays that cause sunburn (UVB), but does not protect against the most aging sun rays (UVA). It loses its effectiveness quickly when exposed to sunlight. It is an organic, or so called "chemical" sunscreen5%

AvobenzoneButyl MethoxydibenzoylmethaneUVA1Avobenzone. An organic, or so-called "chemical" UV filter. Protects against both UVA and UVB rays. Needs to be combined with other filters in a formulation to be stable.3%

Reef-safe

No oxybenzone or octinoxate — the two filters banned in Hawaii, Florida Keys and Aruba.

Moisturizing

11 ingredients credited for this claim

Strong support

What the product description says

“Oil Absorbing Moisturizer SPF 30”

From product name

This product can help improve hydration of the skin with the two types of ingredients.

The first type is called “humectants”:
these ingredients help attract water. When humectants are on the surface of the skin, they “pull in” the moisture from the outside environment, or from within deeper layers of the skin. The following ingredients in this product do the job: allantoin, glycerin.

This product also contains ingredients called “occlusives”. They help reduce the speed with which our skin loses moisture to the outside environment. These ingredients also help soften the upper layer of the skin, so it feels less tight and nicer to the touch. The following ingredients in this product do the job: dimethicone, dimethiconol.

The following ingredients in this product are especially good for supporting the skin barrier and helping with the hydration level: ceramide 1, hydroxypalmitoyl sphinganine

AllantoinKey active· HumectantEffect: HighHelps calm down inflammation in skin and can help reduce itching. Helps to repair the skin barrier and keep skin hydrated~23–34%

DimethiconolKey active· Emollient, OcclusiveEffect: HighA silicone that makes products more spreadable and keeps skin smooth. Helps to add gloss to skin and may visually fill in fine lines/wrinkles for short time~1.7–2.5%

GlycerinKey active· HumectantEffect: HighOne of the best moisturizing ingredients. Naturally present in skin. It attracts water to the upper layer of the skin working as a humectant~1.1–1.6%

Hydroxypalmitoyl sphinganineHeroEffect: HighA type of lipid similar to ceramides naturally present in skin. Helps to soften the upper layer of the skin and supports the skin barrier function to keep it hydrated. Can help to prevent inflammation in skin~0.45–1.05%

DimethiconeKey active· Emollient, OcclusiveEffect: HighA silicone that helps to reduce water loss from the surface of the skin. Can temporarily "fill in" lines and wrinkles, absorb oil, and create a nice product finish~2.1–3.2%

Ceramide 1Hero· EmollientEffect: HighA type of lipid similar to ceramides naturally present in skin. Helps to soften the upper layer of the skin and supports the skin barrier function to keep it hydrated. Can help to prevent inflammation in skin~0.4–0.95%

Diisopropyl sebacateKey active· EmollientEffect: MediumHelps soften the upper layer of the skin without creatng a greasy finish~2.8–4.2%

Caprylyl glycol· Humectant, EmollientEffect: LowHelps preserve products and creates a nice product texture~4–6%

Pentylene glycol· EmollientEffect: LowUsed to preserve products, dissolve other ingredients and create a nice product texture~0.3–0.7%

Zinc gluconateUnder-dosedEffect: HighTypically used to stabilize the product formulations. It is a salt of a polyhydroxy acid (PHA) and in larger concentrations, can help shed the dead cells from the skin surface revealing smoother skin. It can help attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Might to be helpful against acne and clogged pores. Could be helpful in neutralizing free radicals, but solid research is missing. Due to the zinc content, might help calm down inflammation in skin~0.05–0.3%

PanthenolUnder-dosedEffect: HighHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and can help improve skin barrier function~0.2–0.7%

Anti-aging

Not advertised by the brand · 1 ingredient credited for this claim

Strong support

This product can help prevent early signs of skin aging because it offers a good level of broad spectrum sun protection. Sun damage is the main cause of premature skin aging, and protecting your skin from the sun is the best anti-aging strategy.

Zinc gluconateEffect: Low, below effective doseTypically used to stabilize the product formulations. It is a salt of a polyhydroxy acid (PHA) and in larger concentrations, can help shed the dead cells from the skin surface revealing smoother skin. It can help attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Might to be helpful against acne and clogged pores. Could be helpful in neutralizing free radicals, but solid research is missing. Due to the zinc content, might help calm down inflammation in skin~0.05–0.3%

Anti-oxidation

Not advertised by the brand · 3 ingredients credited for this claim

Strong support

This product contains antioxidants (glycyrrhetinic acid) that can help neutralize free radicals in skin. By doing so, they can lessen the damage the skin gets from the UV light (sun).

Glycyrrhetinic acidKey activeEffect: HighActive compound of licorice root. Works to calm down inflammation, as an anti-oxidant, and might be helpful in lightening the skin and reducing hyperpigmentation~0.6–1.35%

Tocopheryl acetateEffect: Low, below effective doseA more stable but less bio-available form of vitamin E compared to Tocopherol. Might help moisturize and protect the skin from free radicals, but mostly used in low concentrations to stabilize other ingredients.~0.1–0.4%

Evens skin tone

Not advertised by the brand · 2 ingredients credited for this claim

Strong support

This product offers broad spectrum sun protection. It means that it can prevent hyperpigmentation and help keep the skin tone even (sun damage is the main factor causing age spots, darkening of post-acne marks and other discolorations).

Glycyrrhetinic acidKey activeEffect: MediumActive compound of licorice root. Works to calm down inflammation, as an anti-oxidant, and might be helpful in lightening the skin and reducing hyperpigmentation~0.6–1.35%

Can it cause trouble?

Irritancy

14 flagged ingredients

Low risk

We flag 14 ingredients with irritancy potential; the product's overall irritancy is low. The table lists each ingredient's own rating.

IngredientFunctionIrritationEst. amount

Butyl methoxydibenzoylmethaneAvobenzone. An organic, or so-called "chemical" UV filter. Protects against both UVA and UVB rays. Needs to be combined with other filters in a formulation to be stable.Medium3%

OctocryleneA weak sunscreen that protects against the sun rays that cause sunburn (UVB) and is somewhat effective against the UVA rays. It is quite stable and can help stabilize other, more vulnerable, sunscreen ingredients like Avobenzone. It is an organic, or so called "chemical" sunscreenMedium7%

Aluminum starch octenylsuccinateUsed to thicken the product's consistencyMedium~5–7.5%est.

Caprylyl glycolHelps preserve products and creates a nice product textureMedium~4–6%est.

Disodium edtaStabilizes the product formulationMedium~0.5–1%est.

Glycyrrhetinic acidActive compound of licorice root. Works to calm down inflammation, as an anti-oxidant, and might be helpful in lightening the skin and reducing hyperpigmentationMedium~0.6–1.35%est.

Pentylene glycolUsed to preserve products, dissolve other ingredients and create a nice product textureMedium~0.3–0.7%est.

Polysorbate 61Helps oil and water mix togetherMedium~0.15–0.55%est.

Potassium sorbateA preservativeMedium~0.15–0.55%est.

Sodium stearoyl glutamateHelps oil and water mix togetherMedium~0.2–0.75%est.

Sucrose tristearateHelps oil and water mix togetherMedium~0.15–0.7%est.

Tocopheryl acetateA more stable but less bio-available form of vitamin E compared to Tocopherol. Might help moisturize and protect the skin from free radicals, but mostly used in low concentrations to stabilize other ingredients.Medium~0.1–0.4%est.

TriethanolamineUsed to adjust pH of the product and can help improve the product's smellMedium~0.1–0.35%est.

Zinc gluconateTypically used to stabilize the product formulations. It is a salt of a polyhydroxy acid (PHA) and in larger concentrations, can help shed the dead cells from the skin surface revealing smoother skin. It can help attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Might to be helpful against acne and clogged pores. Could be helpful in neutralizing free radicals, but solid research is missing. Due to the zinc content, might help calm down inflammation in skinMedium~0.05–0.3%est.

Comedogenic

Clean of flagged comedogenic ingredients

None flagged

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Differin Oil Absorbing Moisturizer with Sunscreen, Broad-Spectrum UVA/UVB SPF 30

53% match

$10.69

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Ingredients

Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.

Butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane3%

UV filterKey activeIrritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Sun protection

Avobenzone. An organic, or so-called "chemical" UV filter. Protects against both UVA and UVB rays. Needs to be combined with other filters in a formulation to be stable.

More about Butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane

Ethylhexyl salicylate5%

UV filter

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Sun protection

Octisalate. A UV filter. It offers some protection against the sun rays that cause sunburn (UVB), but does not protect against the most aging sun rays (UVA). It loses its effectiveness quickly when exposed to sunlight. It is an organic, or so called "chemical" sunscreen

More about Ethylhexyl salicylate

Octocrylene7%

UV filterKey activeIrritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Sun protection

A weak sunscreen that protects against the sun rays that cause sunburn (UVB) and is somewhat effective against the UVA rays. It is quite stable and can help stabilize other, more vulnerable, sunscreen ingredients like Avobenzone. It is an organic, or so called "chemical" sunscreen

More about Octocrylene

Allantoin~23–34%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Anti-inflammatoryMoisturizingReduces irritationAnti-blemishReduces rednessExfoliation

Helps calm down inflammation in skin and can help reduce itching. Helps to repair the skin barrier and keep skin hydrated

More about Allantoin

Aluminum starch octenylsuccinate~5–7.5%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Used to thicken the product's consistency

More about Aluminum starch octenylsuccinate

Caprylyl glycol~4–6%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Moisturizing

Helps preserve products and creates a nice product texture

More about Caprylyl glycol

Carbomer~3.4–5.1%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Cleansing

Helps create a thicker or gel-like product texture. It is not a surfactant but can be used in gentle cleansing formulations

More about Carbomer

Diisopropyl sebacate~2.8–4.2%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

Helps soften the upper layer of the skin without creatng a greasy finish

More about Diisopropyl sebacate

Dimethicone~2.1–3.2%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

MoisturizingMattifying

A silicone that helps to reduce water loss from the surface of the skin. Can temporarily "fill in" lines and wrinkles, absorb oil, and create a nice product finish

More about Dimethicone

Dimethiconol~1.7–2.5%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

A silicone that makes products more spreadable and keeps skin smooth. Helps to add gloss to skin and may visually fill in fine lines/wrinkles for short time

More about Dimethiconol

Disodium edta~0.5–1%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Stabilizes the product formulation

More about Disodium edta

Glycerin~1.1–1.6%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Naturally present in skin. It attracts water to the upper layer of the skin working as a humectant

More about Glycerin

Glycyrrhetinic acid~0.6–1.35%

Key activeIrritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Anti-inflammatoryAnti-oxidationEvens skin tone

Active compound of licorice root. Works to calm down inflammation, as an anti-oxidant, and might be helpful in lightening the skin and reducing hyperpigmentation

More about Glycyrrhetinic acid

Hydroxypalmitoyl sphinganine~0.45–1.05%

Hero · Moisturizing

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

MoisturizingReduces irritationAnti-inflammatory

A type of lipid similar to ceramides naturally present in skin. Helps to soften the upper layer of the skin and supports the skin barrier function to keep it hydrated. Can help to prevent inflammation in skin

More about Hydroxypalmitoyl sphinganine

Ceramide 1~0.4–0.95%

Hero · Moisturizing

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

MoisturizingReduces irritationAnti-inflammatory

More about Ceramide 1

Lsopropyl lauroyl sarcosinate

Not recognized

Panthenol~0.2–0.7%

Under-dosed

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Reduces rednessMoisturizingReduces irritation

Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and can help improve skin barrier function

More about Panthenol

Pentylene glycol~0.3–0.7%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Moisturizing

Used to preserve products, dissolve other ingredients and create a nice product texture

More about Pentylene glycol

Phenoxyethanol~0.15–0.55%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

A preservative. It helps prevent bacterial growth in cosmetic products

More about Phenoxyethanol

Polymethyl methacrylate~0.2–0.8%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Is used to enhance product texture and can help to optically mask skin imperfections

More about Polymethyl methacrylate

Polysorbate 61~0.15–0.55%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Cleansing

Helps oil and water mix together

More about Polysorbate 61

Potassium sorbate~0.15–0.55%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

A preservative

More about Potassium sorbate

Silica~0.35–0.8%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Used to absorb oil and can temporarily mattify skin

More about Silica

Sodium stearoyl glutamate~0.2–0.75%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Cleansing

Helps oil and water mix together

More about Sodium stearoyl glutamate

Sucrose tristearate~0.15–0.7%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Cleansing

Helps oil and water mix together

More about Sucrose tristearate

Tocopheryl acetate~0.1–0.4%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Anti-oxidation

A more stable but less bio-available form of vitamin E compared to Tocopherol. Might help moisturize and protect the skin from free radicals, but mostly used in low concentrations to stabilize other ingredients.

More about Tocopheryl acetate

Triethanolamine~0.1–0.35%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Cleansing

Used to adjust pH of the product and can help improve the product's smell

More about Triethanolamine

Water~0.05–0.3%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Plain old water

More about Water

Xanthan gum~0.05–0.3%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Cleansing

Used to create a thicker product consistency

More about Xanthan gum

Zinc gluconate~0.05–0.3%

Under-dosedIrritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

MoisturizingAnti-inflammatoryAnti-agingEvens skin toneAnti-oxidationExfoliationAnti-blemish

Typically used to stabilize the product formulations. It is a salt of a polyhydroxy acid (PHA) and in larger concentrations, can help shed the dead cells from the skin surface revealing smoother skin. It can help attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Might to be helpful against acne and clogged pores. Could be helpful in neutralizing free radicals, but solid research is missing. Due to the zinc content, might help calm down inflammation in skin

More about Zinc gluconate

Ingredient list view

Butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane, Ethylhexyl salicylate, Octocrylene, Allantoin, Aluminum starch octenylsuccinate, Caprylyl glycol, Carbomer, Diisopropyl sebacate, Dimethicone, Dimethiconol, Disodium edta, Glycerin, Glycyrrhetinic acid, Hydroxypalmitoyl sphinganine, Ceramide 1, Unknown, Panthenol, Pentylene glycol, Phenoxyethanol, Polymethyl methacrylate, Polysorbate 61, Potassium sorbate, Silica, Sodium stearoyl glutamate, Sucrose tristearate, Tocopheryl acetate, Triethanolamine, Water, Xanthan gum, Zinc gluconate

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Amazon USPrice as of 10/9/2026 21:54 GMT

$14.38

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$26.99

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Worth comparing, line by line.

Match % combines shared ingredients, the first five ingredients, shared actives and hero ingredients, irritancy (lower counts in the alternative's favour), texture and body area. Only products in the same routine step are compared.

Side-by-side comparison of this product against its closest alternatives
	CetaphilOil Absorbing Moisturizer SPF 30YOUR PRODUCT	UniversalPRO Oil Absorbing Moisturizer With Spf 30 Broad Spectrum Sunscreen, 4 Ounce	AcnecidePURIFIDE Daily Moisturiser SPF30	DifferinOil Absorbing Moisturizer with Sunscreen, Broad-Spectrum UVA/UVB SPF 30
Match	—	58%	55%	53%
Price	$14.38	$21.36+$6.98	$10.58−$3.80	$10.69−$3.69
Shared key ingredients	—	9 of 10	9 of 10	9 of 10
Key difference	—	—	—	—
Irritancy	Low	Low	Low	Low
SPF	SPF 30	SPF 30	SPF 30	SPF 30
Drying alcohol	—	—	—	—
	View product	Shop	Shop	Shop

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Product summary

Based on the ingredient list, we assess that "Cetaphil - Oil Absorbing Moisturizer SPF 30" can provide reliable sun protection. We love that it can protect from both UVA and UVB rays (not all sunscreens with SPF ratings give UVA protection. UVA rays do not cause sunburn, but still damage our skin and lead to early aging).

Its formula is also hydrating, so you might not need an additional moistruizer during the day. Like all broad-spectrum sunscreens, this product helps prevent early signs of aging.

Sunscreen filters

This sunscreen uses so-called "chemical", or organic UV filters (organic simply means that their molecules contain atoms of carbon). These filters typically give good sun protection and rarely leave a white cast, but they can be irritating for sensitive skin. These are the sun protection ingredients in this sunscreen: avobenzone 3.00% (declared), octisalate 5.00% (declared) and octocrylene 7.00% (declared).

Irritation risk

This product does not contain known common irritants and is suitable for sensitive skin. We assess the overall irritancy of this moisturizer to be low. For a detailed overview of all potential irritants: click here

You can see the detailed formula review with the breakdown of all actives in the product and the full ingredient list with estimated concentrations in the tables below.

Price

The product retails from 16.97$ up to 26.99$ in the United States and for 21.71£ in the United Kingdom.

For a detailed price comparison: click here.

Sources cited in this review

Every concentration estimate and effectiveness label is anchored to one of these 18 studies and safety reviews.

1
Profile of wound healing process induced by allantoinscielo.br
2
Dimethicone as a protective ingredient in topical medicationsjaad.org
3
Final Report on the Safety Assessment of Dimethicone Copolyoljournals.sagepub.com
4
Glycerol and the skin: holistic approach to its origin and functionsncbi.nlm.nih.gov
5
Glycyrrhetinic acid, the active principle of licorice, can reduce the thickness of subcutaneous thigh fat through topical applicationncbi.nlm.nih.gov
6
Effects of topical application of B‐Resorcinol and Glycyrrhetinic acid monotherapy and in combination with fractional CO2 laser treatment for benign hand hyperpigmentation treatmentonlinelibrary.wiley.com
7
18β-Glycyrrhetinic Acid and Glabridin Prevent Oxidative DNA Fragmentation in UVB-irradiated Human Keratinocyte Culturesar.iiarjournals.org
8
Acceptability and Efficacy of an Emollient Containing Ceramide-Precursor Lipids and Moisturizing Factors for Atopic Dermatitis in Pediatric Patientslink.springer.com
9
Emollient treatment of atopic dermatitis: latest evidence and clinical considerationsncbi.nlm.nih.gov
10
Topically Applied Ceramides Interact with the Stratum Corneum Lipid Matrix in Compromised Ex Vivo Skinncbi.nlm.nih.gov
11
Skin moisturizing effects of panthenol-based formulationspdfs.semanticscholar.org
12
Safety Assessment of Panthenol, Pantothenic Acid, and Derivatives as Used in Cosmeticscir-safety.org
13
Zinc salts in dermatologyncbi.nlm.nih.gov
14
An overview of zinc and its importance in dermatology-Part II: The association of zinc with some dermatologic disordersoatext.com
15
Zinc, copper and manganese enhanced keratinocyte migration through a functional modulation of keratinocyte integrinsncbi.nlm.nih.gov
16
Evaluation of the effects of topical zinc gluconate in wound healingncbi.nlm.nih.gov
17
A polyhydroxy acid skin care regimen provides antiaging effects comparable to an alpha-hydroxyacid regimenncbi.nlm.nih.gov
18
Applications of hydroxy acids: classification, mechanisms, and photoactivityncbi.nlm.nih.gov

CetaphilOil Absorbing Moisturizer SPF 30

Buy at Walgreens$26.99 $14.38as of 10/9 21:54 GMT

Affiliate links · As an Amazon Associate, WIMJ earns from qualifying purchases.

Buy at Walgreens$26.99 $14.38as of 10/9 21:54 GMT

As an Amazon Associate, WIMJ earns from qualifying purchases.